News item

Archive of: March, 2014

One year from the formal establishment of NHS England, the Specialised Healthcare Alliance has reviewed the extent to which the original intentions for specialised commissioning have been met.

The Alliance’s analysis shows that NHS England still has a considerable way to go to make its plans for an efficient specialised commissioning function into a reality. Most of the provisions of the single operating model for specialised services have been RAG-rated as amber or red by the Alliance, with only three rated as green.

The new arrangements for specialised commissioning continue to present an excellent opportunity to drive up standards of care for patients across the whole of England. However, one year on, there remains much work to do and an urgent need for clearer leadership in specialised commissioning.

The Specialised Healthcare Alliance has produced a short summary of Germany’s National Action Plan for People with Rare Diseases.

The Action Plan was developed by a cross-Ministry committee, which will now oversee its implementation. Of particular interest are the Plan’s recommendations on designating expert centres within a three-tier system. Each recommendation is also accompanied by clear actions for named organisations.

The Specialised Healthcare Alliance is delighted to welcome its 100th patient-related member, WellChild.

WellChild joins the Alliance at an exciting time as we continue to seek improvements in specialised services and to raise awareness of these services with parliamentarians ahead of the 2015 General Election.

With our growing membership now covering an ever broader range of specialised services, the Alliance looks forward to consolidating its presence in the ongoing campaign for people with rare and complex conditions.